Welcome back to the Unify Brief, where we track the latest developments facing our nation.
ICE detains three Oglala Sioux tribal members in Minnesota
On Jan. 13, 2026, the Oglala Sioux Tribe President, Frank Star Comes Out called for the release of three tribal members detained by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Four tribal members were initially detained in a residential housing area called Little Earth, which typically houses Native Americans in Minneapolis. One of the three detained members was released, while the location of the others is unknown. However, President Star Comes Out has begun to walk back some of his claims. According to President Star Comes Out, “ICE has no record of arresting Oglala Sioux tribal members in Minneapolis.”
This is not the first instance of Native Americans being stopped or detained by ICE. As early as November 2025, Leticia Jacobo, an Indigenous woman, was supposed to be released by Polk County Jail in Des Moines, Iowa, after driving with a suspended license. Her release was delayed after ICE reportedly placed an immigration detainer on her.
Following these instances, on Jan. 16, 2026, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) released a statement: “If you are a Native American who has been questioned, stopped, arrested, or detained by ICE, please contact the Native American Rights Fund.”
Local: NARF statement on unlawful ICE activity (Native American Rights Fund)
National: ICE is sweeping up Native Americans in Minnesota arrests, tribal leaders say: ‘Our citizenship is not negotiable’ (The Independent)
What other college campuses have to say: Minnesota National Guard, several other agencies mobilized ahead of Saturday march (The Minnesota Daily)
Denver City Council considering banning face coverings for law enforcement
Following the shooting and killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, 2026, Denver’s City Council is considering banning face coverings for law enforcement officials. The proposal was introduced by Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez and sponsored by Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis.
If the policy is approved, it would allow Denver police officials to arrest immigration agents or other law enforcement officials if they wear masks while conducting arrests.
Currently, the proposal is being refined to be presented and voted on later in the year.
Local: Face covering ban in Denver for law enforcement, ICE gains momentum (Colorado Politics)
National: California becomes first state to ban face coverings for most law enforcement (The Guardian)
What other college campuses have to say: As of Sunday, Jan. 18, no college campuses have reported on this development.
Texas Student’s First Portal makes it easier for students to report DEI
Texas recently launched the Student’s First Portal that enables students to file formal complaints, particularly over colleges’ alleged legal violations. In 2023, , Texas passed SB 17 – a bill that prohibited diversity,equity and inclusion programs. In 2025, Texas also passed SB 37, allowing Texas officials to review “curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs.”
With the introduction of Student’s First Portal, this could lead to possible complaints from students if colleges continue to offer programs or courses that students believe violate SB 17. The portal creates a direct channel for students to report individual faculty members whose classroom discussions, course materials or research are perceived to violate the DEI ban.
Texas officials already possess authority under SB 37 to review curriculum and programs, meaning student complaints filed through the portal could trigger formal investigations into specific courses or faculty members. This could effectively turn students into enforcers of state policy, with their reports serving as grounds for curriculum review or even faculty discipline.
Local: Colorado colleges defend DEI amid fear and uncertainty over Trump’s order (The Colorado Sun)
National: New Texas website lets college students report complaints about diversity in the classroom (San Antonio Report)
What other college campuses have to say: Faculty panel: Texas A&M wrongly fired professor after gender lesson (The Texas Tribune)
Take Action:
At DU:
- Support DU’s DACA program
On your own:
- Immigrant rights advocates advise people to stay calm and film in ICE encounters (Colorado Public Radio)
